President Obama`s Justice Department says medical marijuana dispensaries could face prosecution and that cannabis is a drug in the same class as heroin.

Recently, Deputy Attorney General James Cole wrote a policy memo to federal prosecutors that states: All marijuana use and commerce is illegal under the Controlled Substance Act even if they are following state laws. And 16 states are ok with medical marijuana.

What, so state laws don`t matter anymore?

Anyone remember what President Obama said during his campaign in 2008 regarding medical marijuana?

Just in case you forgot, he said that his Justice Department would not prioritize prosecution of medical marijuana facilities operating legally under state law.

“I have more of a practical view than anything else. I mean my attitude is if, if it`s an issue of doctors prescribing medical marijuana as a treatment for glaucoma or as a cancer treatment, I think that should be appropriate because there is really no difference between that and a doctor prescribing morphine or anything else,” said President Obama.

Even in February of 2009, Attorney General Eric Holder reiterated what the President had promised during his campaign.

“What he said during the campaign will and is American policy,” said Holder.

Why the about face?

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has ruled that marijuana has not accepted medical use and should therefore remain illegal under federal law, regardless of state legislation allowing medical marijuana.

Not only does this decision conflict with state laws, it also contradicts with a report by the Institute of Medicine which indicates.

The potential therapeutic values of medical marijuana, primarily THC, are for pain relief, control of nausea and vomiting, and appetite stimulation.

How about this…have someone in the Obama Administration put themselves in the shoes of a dying cancer patient going through rounds of chemotherapy, suddenly without a certain prescribed medication, and see if that will open their eyes.

The writer and social critic, Malcolm Gladwell, defines the ‘Tipping Point’ as the moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling point; the point at which the buildup of minor changes or incidents reaches a level that triggers a more significant change or makes someone do something they had formerly resisted.

Another way of saying it would be that point in time and space when everything changes and there’s no turning back.

Every day there are more encouraging headlines appearing in newspapers and on the Web from California to Maine supporting medical marijuana legislation suggesting the tide is turning.

Even when the cynics call medical marijuana a joke and claim the real goal of this smokescreen movement is legalization of pot, there are medi-jane supporters with valid and logical arguments to counter-balance any archaic rhetoric with which the anti-pot forces continue to misinform.

New Jersey passed one of the most restrictive medical marijuana rights and benefits program on the books so far. The state with a very conservative governor will soon have medical marijuana. Why? Because the people wanted it.

It does seem like Time is marching on, but when is it gonna get there?

We’re zeroing in on something but when is the Tipping Point going to kick in fully regarding medical marijuana?

What possible signs do we need to see before we believe that it works?!

Here are some small recent events that may prove someday to have influenced the way we think, tipping the scales our way towards a bigger picture…

During the question-and-answer part of the competition, Miss California Alyssa Campanella was asked about her perspective on the medicinal cannabis.

“Well, I understand why that question would be asked, especially with today’s economy, but I also understand that medical marijuana is very important to help those who need it medically,” Alyssa said.

“I’m not sure if it should be legalized, if it would really affect, with the drug war,” she said. “I mean, it’s abused today, unfortunately, so that’s the only reason why I would kind of be a little bit against it, but medically it’s OK.”

She got Miss USA.

When’s the last time you had the crown on the line and you spoke the truth?

I actually can understand why someone could dismiss a beauty queen and a cancer patient as being not scientific enough. They’re just regular people.

​3) What about Big Business. They have scientists? They have economists? They understand the world…? Don’t they?

Scott’s Miracle-Gro Company has long sold weed killer. Now, it’s hoping to help people grow killer weed.

In an unlikely move for the head of a major company, Scott’s Chief Executive Jim Hagedorn said he is exploring targeting medical marijuana as well as other niches to help boost sales at his lawn and garden company.

“I want to target the pot market,” Mr. Hagedorn said in an interview.

“There’s no good reason we haven’t.”

​4) We’ve heard from the People, Big Business, and now from across the aisle comes…

Congressmen Ron Paul, Barney Frank and others will introduce legislature Thursday that aims to end a major part of the war on drugs — namely the battle against marijuana.

Reps. Paul (R-Texas) and Frank (D-Mass.), though technically on opposite sides of the aisle, have often spoken out against the war on drugs and will propose a bill “tomorrow ending the federal war on marijuana and letting states legalize, regulate, tax, and control marijuana without federal interference,” according to a statement from the Marijuana Policy Project via Reason.

The bill would allow the individual states to decide how they want to deal with pot.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland), is the first of its kind to be proposed in Congress that would end the 73-year-old federal marijuana prohibition that began with the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937.

…….

These four events that just transpired in the last month couldn’t be more current, more ‘now.’ What is it going to take in order for that cosmic plate to tilt to our side? And stay that way!

Entrepreneurs and forward thinkers are testing the waters of the medical marijuana Industry with venture capitalists abroad throwing dollars into edible research think-tanks and other esoteric ganja-related enterprises.

Politicians and law enforcement from all walks and talks of life are coming forward, decrying that the time is now to lose the campaigns that have never worked and to embrace a new way of thinking. To challenge the uncommon wisdom and to end the wars on law abiding citizens who because they ingest a specific weed, they could have their lives ruin because we, as a nation and a society refuse to change.

Sixteen states support medical marijuana. Every poll taken shows public support for medical marijuana. GW Pharma (Weed) and Novartis (Ritalin, Excedrin) have become partners in Sativex (medical marijuana spray) licensing pact overseas and now, in America.

“My professional view of cannabis as a substance is that it appears to be a remarkably safe substance in comparison to most medicines prescribed today,” said Dr. Geoffrey Guy, chairman of GW Pharmaceuticals. “The more I learn about this plant the more fascinated I become. It has through its various constituents multiple effects of therapeutic interest, many of which are now being validated by the enormous growth in basic cannabinoid research.”

What is it about marijuana that makes us afraid to go forward and embrace a new safer tomorrow? Pharmaceutical giants are moving forward with patents and marketing. You would think that the data from research geeks would be refutable, they’re the same people who give us our aspirin, for gosh sakes.

The data’s coming in like a Haboob through Phoenix. Unstoppable. Marijuana has applications that can help certain people. That’s it. It can’t be changed.

Marijuana does some good. It’s proven.

You can’t go backwards with that. Only thing you can do is not open your eyes to what’s in front of them.

Why aren’t we coming together as a nation over this issue when people with perspectives as different as those of Miss USA to the Mormon Attorney General of Utah support medical marijuana?

When law enforcement officials and Ex-President Jimmy Carter come forward to say the War on Drugs not only doesn’t work, it’s unwinnable. A waste of money.

Speaking of money, when Wall Street, Main Street and Home Depot all say the time is right to build the future fields of dreams of medical marijuana that only Weed-Gro can protect. What more do we need to hear?

Do we need Nancy Reagan in her Chanel housecoat to come forward to say she was wrong? Would that be the final straw? Would that be our national Tipping Point? To have someone other than ourselves say it is okay for us to have this weed? Mommy, please say its okay because in 1937, someone said it was bad.

Right now President Obama has alienated the Ganja Nation with his reversal on leaving the medical marijuana community alone. More and more his obtrusive agenda is forcing the hand of medical marijuana to take a stand, one way or another in various localities. Howard Zinn said you can’t be neutral on a moving train.

Opinion is sliding to the side where the weed grows green and high. Mendocino County is aggressively constructing a platform that is workable for growers and law enforcement alike. Not perfect, but a start.

Growers are paying taxes in exchange for their right to grow medical marijuana. They pay just like anyone else.

Biotech company Cannabis Science Inc. (stock tip—>CBIS) which works in the field of developing pharmaceutical cannabis products, has just announced that it has been contacted by Lynnice Wedewer, Ph.D. This might not mean much to you until you understand who this 34 year multiple cancer patient survivor is and how she has been cured of 7 of her 8 cancers due to the major medicinal benefits of medical cannabis. If you ever wondered if the government actually does things in secret then read on for your answer.

In 1979, Iowa passed a medical marijuana law which impacted five children suffering from cancer and who were placed into a cancer treatment program using medical cannabis under the supervision of the University of Iowa. Dr. Wedewer was one of those children and only 1 1/2 years ago did the law in Iowa finally change to allow these patients to finally speak out about their treatment and success stories in battling cancer with medical cannabis.

Again, I predict that more and more people will begin to come forward with research, documentation and other valid proof that marijuana is a beneficial plant and should be regulated. Mind you, the legal availability of marijuana WILL come to the United States but it will come with a price (doesn’t it already though?) decided by those in control of it’s availability and the science behind it’s use, like potential profits to be made by corporations like Cannabis Science, Inc. (a publicly traded company).

The possibility of earnings will easily get more players on the table pushing for the legalization of marijuana but if there is a chance to cure cancers and other diseases then what are we waiting for? Marijuana helps cure cancer and people are dying. That’s a no-brainer if I’ve ever heard one.

I suffer from very Painful Neuropathy of the Feet & Legs, Failed Back Surgery & Depression.

I live in Palm Beach County, Florida, Which is where I was arrested for trying to grow Medical Marijuana, (26 plants) they claim.

It all started August 29th 2009 when our home was burglarized. I came home to find the front door open. I thought the burglar(s) may still be in our home. I am the owner of a (38) Caliber Hand Gun with a permit to carry, of which I had left at home that day.

In fear of being shot with my own gun, I called the Boynton Beach Police. They arrived and cleared our home.

Although the burglar(s) had fled with over $20,000.00 of cash, jewelry and electronics, the police told me to sit and not to move. They began to question me as if I had robbed my own home. They then began to question me about my Marijuana use.

Rather then telling them a lie, I told them that I did use Medical Marijuana as I am disabled and suffer from very Painful Neuropathy of the Feet & Legs, and Medical Marijuana is the only thing that seems to stop that Pain.

Soon after my explanation, they claim they discovered my medical garden and arrested me. The State of Florida is now charging me with Trafficking. I have hired Attorney Michael c Minardi to handle my defense.

Trial has been delayed for the second time now. My Attorney on December 13th 2010 will appear for a Status Check, at that time a New Trial Date should be rescheduled for early next year in Palm Beach County, Florida court room.

The Honorable Judge Miller is allowing, The Medical Necessity Defense.

This Defense has never been tried in a Palm Beach County Court.

We have some Experts in place, but our looking to add more. And we our in need of Public Support & Donations.

If you feel you have the Compassion to assist or help tell my story or Donate to my Legal Fund, A Non-Profit Tax Deductable Account has been set up at any Bank Atlantic.

I started with just a few supporters that believed in me. Those Few Supporters Have Turned Into Thousands. And From That Support, Our Voices Have Now Been Heard As One. And The State Of Florida, Now Knows That I am Not A Criminal. And For That I Am Grateful.

Thank you to everybody that believed in me and in this fight for Medical Cannabis and the right to choose over Opiates. All though no laws have been changed, I think they (government) are taking notice. That Cannabis Has Many Quality Medical Benefits And The Laws Will Change Soon Every Where.

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — 53-year-old Jeff Kennedy was prepared to spend five years in prison for growing marijuana for medical reasons. But on Friday, Kennedy showed up in court wearing a t-shirt stating, ‘I am a patient not a criminal,’ and it turns out the state agrees. The state dropped the charges at the last minute.

“I’m just going to go forward and advocate for medical cannabis,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy suffers from chronic pain caused by a botched back surgery. His legs burn and twitch constantly. Doctors have prescribed him a cocktail of highly addictive and dangerous pain killers.

“It is slowly killing me,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy says marijuana works better than his prescription meds and do not have the dangerous side affects. Kennedy’s attorney says today’s dismissal proves other patients who use medical marijuana have a proven legal defense to do so.

“Anybody else who may be in similar situations, they know now or can be educated that they do have a defense if they do want to use cannabis,” said Michael Minardi, Kennedy’s lawyer.

Jeff says he will continue to fight until it’s legal to use medical marijuana in the state. Just like it already is in 15 other states and the district of columbia.

“Take this all the way and standup not for my rights and disabled person in the state of florida that can benefit from cannabis.”

But the state’s attorney’s office says not so fast. Attorney Jill Richstone spoke with WPEC and said, “There is no policy that we are accepting a medical marijuana defense. We look at each case individually.”

Richstone went on to say it was decided not to continue on with a trial because Jeff kennedy did not have a grow house to sell marijuana to other people.

The Shoreline City Council heard from medical marijuana patients and providers Monday night. The cannabis supporters want the Washington city to stop its plans to shut down local dispensaries.

“We’ve got cancer patients who have chemo next week; they want their next medicine, they’re coming to me crying not knowing what to do,” said Laura Stevens, who runs Green Hope, a medical marijuana dispensary in Shoreline, reports Kirsten Joyce at Q13 Fox. “I don’t know what to tell them.”

“Our governor failed us,” Stevens told the council. She said many of her patients suffer from cancer, AIDS and Crohn’s disease.

​ “We need a place, and we have a place to go safely get what we need to deal with our pain,” said Dennis Ryder, who goes to Green Hope for his chronic arthritis.

The legislature’s fix of the state’s medical marijuana law last session — which would have legalized dispensaries in the state — was almost entirely vetoed by Governor Christine Gregoire in a line-item gutting of the legislation.

Now many local jurisdictions like Shoreline have decided to act on theiur own.

The governor did allow for 45-plant collective gardens, but vetoed provisions allowing the marijuana to be distributed to patients.

Dozens of dispensaries across Washington — including even those like Shoreline, in the more pot-friendly Puget Sound area — are endangered by the new rules.

Tacoma has issued cease-and-desist orders. Edmonds and Granite Falls put moratoriums in place, and Shoreline revoked the business licenses of a few dispensaries back in February, including that of Green Hope, owned by Stevens.

Co-ops in Kent received their cease-and-desist orders in the mail on Monday. They plan to attend their city council meeting this week.

“If they shut down nonprofit patient cooperatives and dispensaries, that will force thousands of patients into the black market,” said Ezra Eickmeyer, a local lobbyist for the Washington Cannabis Association.

You won’t have to research medical conditions treatable with medical marijuana for very long before you come across the term cachexia; if you’re not sure what this term means, you’re not alone so here we’ll explain exactly what cachexia is and how cannabis can help to alleviate it.

What is Cachexia?

Loss of body weight and muscle mass, and weakness that may occur in patients with cancer, AIDS, or other chronic diseases.

Cachexia invariably occurs with anorexia:

anorexia (a-nuh-REK-see-uh)

An abnormal loss of the appetite for food. Anorexia can be caused by cancer, AIDS, a mental disorder (i.e., anorexia nervosa), or other diseases.

What Causes Cachexia?

Although it depends very much on what type of cancer a patient has, it’s estimated that 50% to 80% of all cancer patients will develop cachexia, usually during the final stages of pancreatic, lung, and prostate cancers. The condition appears to result from the immune system’s response to the tumor.

Cachexia Treatments

In most cases the standard for advanced cachexia is intravenous feeding, together with administration of an appetite stimulant drug – Megace. The problem with Megace is that the weight gain it stimulates is in the form of fat; the weight loss through the cachexia is lean tissue – muscles, heart tissue and the like.

Marijuana and Cachexia

Most people know about the way weed stimulates the appetite – the infamous munchies. The munchies is caused by the action of THC on the body and there have been a number of studies confirming that patients who use medical marijuana experience a reduction in rate of weight loss together with an increase in appetite. Sadly, research has also failed to show any advantage of taking THC and Megace in combination – they do not augment each other’s effects.

Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Marijuana

It has been shown in various studies that, when used in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, THC is more quickly absorbed from marijuana smoke than from any oral preparation. The only problem appears to be one of dose measurement; however, with experience, chemotherapy patients will learn to manage their weed dosage.